The Church, according to Scripture, is not a religious club, a voluntary association of like-minded Christians who cultivate friendship and engage in joint projects. It is rather the institution of Christ and of the Spirit, formed by His power and governed by His Word.
– Edmund Clowney, The Church: Contours in Christian Theology, copyright 1988, page 58
In the Scriptures, God’s kingdom is the shadow of his presence; not so much his domain as his dominion; not his realm but his rule. God’s kingdom is the working of his power to accomplish his purposes of judgment and salvation.
– Edmund Clowney, The Church, copyright 1988, page 38
It is natural for younger brothers to think that elder brotherness and Christianity are exactly the same thing. But Jesus says they are not. In his parable, Jesus deconstructs the religiosity that is one of the main problems with the world. In this parable, Jesus says to us, “Would you please be open to the possibility that the gospel, real Christianity, is something very different from religion?” That gives many people hope that there is a way to know God that doesn’t lead to the pathologies of moralism and religiosity.
– Tim Keller, Prodigal God, copyright 2008, page 69-70
The church is a holy nation, not just ideally, but actually, because it is composed of poeple who are united to Jesus Christ in God’s electing love and by his effective calling. Though Paul knows there may be hypocrites in the Corinthian church, he addresses it in terms of its status before God. Corinthian believers are sanctified in Christ, even though their calling to holiness far from realized, and the Lord knows those who are his.
– Edmund Clowney, The Church: Contours in Christian Theology, copyright 1988, page 88
God’s grace first saves us and then equips us for service. We enjoy the kingdom only as children, completely dependent on our heavenly Father. We serve as we use the gifts of the Spirit. Our ministry is therefore humble service, not selfish manipulation. All Christians are to gird themselves with humility to serve one another (I Peter 5:5). Peter is not denying a difference in roles between those who exercise governing oversight and the members of the church wh0 must recognize their authority. Yet those who join in governing are not to be little Caesars, lording it over the church; they are shepherds, called to serve the flock.
– Edmund Clowney, The Church: Contours in Christian Theology, copyright 1988, page 62-63
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